Acoustic Neuroma

What is an Acoustic Neuroma?

 

Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that grow on the vestibular nerve of the inner ear.

 

While these tumors aren’t cancerous or fast-growing, they can cause serious issues with balance and vertigo if they become large. In rare cases, acoustic neuromas can grow large enough to put pressure on the brain, which can cause serious issues and, rarely, death.

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Since most acoustic neuromas grow very slowly, their symptoms are subtle and sometimes nonexistent. 

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The most common signs of acoustic neuroma are:

• Hearing loss 

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

• Vertigo

• Facial weakness or numbness

• Headache

• Hoarseness

• Troubles tasting or swallowing

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What do a diagnosis and a treatment plan look like?

Since symptoms of acoustic neuroma are so common to other conditions, our doctors may recommend a CT scan or MRI along with standard examination procedures. Treatment options include monitoring for growth or, in the case of a larger tumor, surgical removal.